Chase Nebeker Peterson (December 27, 1929 – September 14, 2014) was an American physician who became dean of admissions at his alma mater, Harvard University, and dean of the health sciences at the University of Utah, before being selected president of the University of Utah in 1983.
Biography
Chase N. Peterson MD grew up in Logan, Utah, where his father, E. G. Peterson, was the president of Utah State University. After attending a Massachusetts boarding school, Peterson earned his bachelor's and doctor of medicine degrees from Harvard University. He practiced medicine in Utah before returning to Harvard in 1967 to become dean of admissions. Instead of using quotas to admit more American Black students, Peterson notably hired an African-American to be part of the admissions staff and thereby increased recruiting of black students.
Peterson married Ane Grethe Ballif, who after her marriage was normally referred to as Grethe Ballif Peterson. Grethe was a graduate of Brigham Young University and pursued graduate studies at Radcliffe College, Southern Connecticut State College and the University of Utah.
While at Harvard, Peterson served as a bishop of the University Ward of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
In 1978, Peterson left Harvard to become dean of health sciences at the University of Utah. In 1983 he succeeded David P. Gardner as president of the university. The first human implantation of an artificial heart and the Fleischmann–Pons experiment took place at the university on his watch. Peterson retired from the university in 1991, though continued teaching a course at the medical school until his death.
In 2006, Peterson received the Harvard Alumni Association medal.
Dr. Chase Peterson died at 84 of pneumonia on September 14, 2014.
References
Sources
Alan K. Parrish. "Harvard and the Gospel: An Informal History" in Regional Studies in Latter-day Saint History: New England, p. 131. Chase N. Peterson Presidential Records Biography connected with Peterson's receipt of Harvard Alumni Association medal